Panasonic Lumix GH6 – Body Only

Panasonic LUMIX GH6 – Body Only

Panasonic Lumix GH6 – Body Only (DC-GH6E) is equipped with a new high-speed sensor and a newly developed Venus engine image processer delivering next-generation video performance built to satisfy a wide variety of creative requirements and redefining the possibilities for video recording in an interchangeable lens camera. It offers internal ProRes recording, 4-channel audio and in future the ability to record to an external drive.

As usual Panasonic continues its impressive support for anamorphic capture, with a 5.8K 43 mode and de-squeeze for the viewfinder in all popular ratios. It has 300 fps slow Mo, full LOG support, waveform and the ability to use type B CF cards internally.

With 5.7K 4:2:0 10-bit 60p/50p and 5.8K 30p/25p/24p 4:2:0 10-bit anamorphic 4:3 modes recorded utilising the full area of the sensor, the LUMIX GH6 offers higher resolution and higher bit rates than ever before and delivers the latest in high image quality, versatility, and range needed for film, TV, and all types of video production.

The LUMIX GH6 also achieves 4:2:2 10-bit Cinema 4K 60p internal recording as well as simultaneous output in 4:2:2 10-bit Cinema 4K 60p over HDMI.

4:2:0 10-bit 4K 120p (equivalent to 5x slow motion*1) and 4:2:2 10bit FHD 240p HFR (High Frame Rate) video recording with audio is available to enable creativity such as speed ramping.  FHD maximum 300fps (equivalent to 12.5x slow motion*1) VFR (Variable Frame Rate) enables dynamic motion of a subject.

Overheating can be a fatal issue to continuous video recording especially when the resolution and the frame rates are increased but the LUMIX GH6 achieves unlimited video recording time*2 in all modes by optimising the heat-dissipating path with a forced-cooling fan mechanism.

_{*1 In 24p}

_{*2 Under the guaranteed operating environment when using a battery. The recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and the recording media.}

Panasonic’s Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Panasonic continues its commitment to continuous improvement of its LUMIX range via performance-enhancing firmware updates. In the future, a firmware update for GH6 will be released to support:

-Cinema 4K ProRes 422 HQ / ProRes 422-FHD ProRes 422 HQ / ProRes 422-USB-SSD direct recording-4K 120p HDMI Video output during Live View-Cinema 4K 120p HDMI RAW Video Data Output to ATOMOS Ninja V+

Unrivalled Image Stabilisation

For agile handheld shooting, the LUMIX GH6 adopts a new super high-precision 5-axis gyro sensor with a new algorithm to achieve a powerful 7.5 stops of Body I.S.*1 and Dual I.S.2*2.

The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 works seamlessly to record natural, comfortable-to-see video footage. It applies appropriate compensation according to the type of movement by precisely judging the cause – whether it was generated by panning, tilting, or hand-shake. The B.I.S. compensates for camera movement even when an interchangeable lens without O.I.S. (e.g. a cine lens) is used.

With this powerful image stabilisation, even a 100-megapixel high-resolution image can be shot using the High Resolution mode without a tripod. In High Resolution mode, eight consecutive images are automatically shot while shifting the sensor using the Body I.S. (Image Stabiliser) mechanism and synthesised into a 100-megapixel equivalent (11552 x 8672-pixel) image that faithfully reproduces precise details to be saved as beautiful, highly realistic images not only in RAW but also in JPEG. With its compact, lightweight design and powerful Body I.S., the LUMIX GH6 makes shooting that was previously deemed impossible –such as handheld ultra-telephoto shooting– possible.

_{*1 Based on the CIPA standard .}

Intuitive Operability

The LUMIX GH6 adopts a 3.0-inch tilt and free-angle touch-control monitor in 3:2 aspect with 1,840K-dot high resolution. The tilt and free-angle screen allows for greater flexibility and convenient rotation even with a HDMI cable and USB cable connected to the camera.

To support high precision focusing, the LUMIX GH6 provides practical options for manual focusing. While focus is shifted with variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring for non-linear setting, it is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for linear setting. Sensitivity (amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees by 30-degrees to enable intended focus operation.

The 3,680k-dot 0.76x live viewfinder uses a highly responsive, easy-to-see OLED display to capture even fast-moving subjects in fine detail. In addition, the high contrast display (approx. 10,000:1) presents the subject with fine gradations and high clarity throughout.

With the new sensor’s higher readout speed and the new Venus Engine’s superior processing power, the LUMIX GH6 also delivers AFS burst shooting using the electronic shutter at 75 frames per second with 25.2-megapixel resolution. The sensor’s higher readout speed also minimises rolling shutter distortion and captures images too fast for the naked eye to process.

Reliable Build Quality for Professional Use

The LUMIX GH6 is tough enough to withstand heavy field use with a magnesium alloy full die-cast front / rear frame and is not only splash-resistant*1 but dust-resistant and freeze-resistant down to -10 degrees Celsius/14 degrees Fahrenheit. The shutter unit is also durable for approx. 200,000 cycles. The Rec button is located on both the top and front of the camera, which makes it easy to start and stop recording even when shooting at a low angle or with a shoulder rig.

The LUMIX GH6 is equipped with double card slots. The CFexpress card (Type B) supports internal recording of high bitrate video at 800Mbps or more including 5.7K 30p ProRes 422 HQ and C4K 60p ALL-I. The SD Memory Card UHS II V90 supports internal recording of video at 600Mbps or less and it is also possible to choose the recording method from Relay Recording, Backup Recording, Allocation Recording using both SD Memory Card and CFexpress Card.

For the terminal, HDMI Type A is provided. Plus, a cable lock holder for the HDMI/USB cable is provided to prevent issues such as unplugging on location. The LUMIX GH6 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 for high-speed writing and readout.  The 2200mAh high-capacity battery can be recharged either via AC or USB according to the users’ convenience. It also complies with USB PD (Power Delivery) when the corresponding Battery Charger DMW-BTC15 is used. The LUMIX GH6 is also compatible with Time Code IN/OUT synchronisation through the flash synchro terminal and bundled BNC converter cable with BNC cable. This makes the non-linear editing of footage shot with multiple cameras easy.

Wi-Fi 5-GHz (IEEE802.11ac)*2 is enabled in addition to 2.4-GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n). This provides a secure and stable connection not only with a smartphone/tablet but also with other devices on location for smooth remote control. The transmission speed of photo/video data is also increased by using the 5-GHz band. Compatibility with Bluetooth 5.0 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables constant connection with a smartphone or tablet with minimum power consumption. The settings of a LUMIX GH6 camera can also be copied and transmitted wirelessly to other GH6 cameras when using multiple cameras. The LUMIX Sync application for iOS/Android devices allows remote control of the camera using a smartphone or a tablet via easy wireless connection. In addition to wireless control via a Remote Shutter DMW-RS2 (sold separately), application software LUMIX Tether enables tethered shooting via USB. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB, letting them view the image on a large PC screen while shooting. Profoto wireless transmitters “Air Remote TTL-O/P” and “Profoto Connect-O/P” can be used, enabling wireless connection and control of external strobes for professional shooting.*3

_{*1 Splash Resistant is a term used to describe an extra level of protection this camera offers against exposure to a minimal amount of moisture, water or dust. Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with water.}

_{*2 5GHz Wi-Fi is not available in some countries.}

_{*3 All functions may not be available depending on the situation.}

Wide Range of Available Lenses

The Panasonic LUMIX G Series boasts a total line-up of 30 Micro Four Thirds lenses to choose from according to purpose. The latest LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH. (X-H1025) and LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 25-50mm F1.7 ASPH. (H-X2550) zoom lenses feature full-range F1.7 large aperture and are favoured by professional film creators as well as other single-focal-length F1.7 or F2.8 lenses. In addition, the LUMIX GH6 memorises the name and focal length of analog lenses such as anamorphic lenses or old lenses to automatically apply the suitable setting of the camera’s in-body image stabiliser when those lenses are used.

Panasonic has reviewed and updated the firmware of its lenses to optimise their use with the LUMIX GH6. It is possible to control AF operation by pressing the shutter button halfway, or by pressing the AF-ON button, when is set in high frame rate video mode when H-E08018/H-X1025/H-X2550/H-ES12060/H-ES50200/H-RS100400/H-XA025/H-ES200/H-HSA12035/H-FS12060/H-HSA35100/H-FSA45200/H-FSA100300 lenses are used. The H-NS043/H-X012/H-X015 lenses will follow these updates and they will also have Focus Ring Control and improved AF performance in 24.00p/23.98p mode. The firmware update of H-NS043/H-X012/H-X015 is scheduled for 1st March 2022.